London’s most beautiful pubs.

So it’s been a wonderful mid day and after wandering through museums and markets, it is time to pop into a pub. I thought I would share just a few of my favorite pubs in London. These pubs have become some of my favorite places in the city because they are absolutely breathtaking. They take something simple like grabbing a drink with a friend into a visually enticing experience. So here we go, I will start with my absolute favorite.  

1.  The Princess Louise.  208 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EP

Located within a few steps of the Holborn tube station (Central and Piccadilly lines), the Princess Louise takes you back into another century. There are so many wonderful corners to get together and enjoy the company of friends and lovers. It is quite a romantic spot, the architectural detail surrounds you intimately. The drinks are decently priced, it is well worth a visit. Weekends are notoriously busy, so if you want time to appreciate the rich mahogany and decorated glass , plan to head there before 4 or 5pm. 

 

2. The Coal Hole. 91-92 Strand, London WC2R 0DW ‎

The Coal Hole is a wonderfully central pub find. It is located on the Strand between Charing Cross and Temple Tube stops. There are so many nooks in the Coal Hole to get aquatinted with. After several hours one day running around the National Gallery, I stopped in for some wine and a quiet place to sit and read in the afternoon. I enjoy pubs that really make you really feel the city you are in. While I sat and became comfortable, I was so aware of the energy and vibrance of this historical city. It is an experience which we need every once and a while, to sit and become present again. What better place to appreciate London than in a place that allows you to feel culture, and good wine doesn’t hurt.. 

 

3. The Blackfriar. 174 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EG

 

I’ve always loved places with character and personality, and The Blackfriar has it in abundance. Columns, sculptures, and mosaics adorn the walls at The Blackfriar, adding such a sense of atmosphere. It is a place that entices you to stay longer, to enjoy yourself among such a beautiful interior. To sit with friends for a round in such an exquisite pub is a wonderful experience. If you haven’t had the opportunity to sit in the comfortable chairs and sample some delicious beer, then get yourself to The Blackfriar as soon as possible.  Located within minutes of London Blackfriars tube stop. 

 

Each of these pubs become alive at night and filled with people on the weekends. Should you like to really experience these pubs with a few friends, I would suggest heading out earlier before the big crowds pour in. There are so many beautiful corners in this city, these are just three of my favorites. Check them out, they might become your favorites too.  Happy pub hunting! 

 

 

Let’s talk about running..

My interest in running came about quite suddenly. A few years ago I decided to try and run a mile without gasping for aåir. When I succeeded, I decided, why not try two miles. I kept progressing and miraculously, I ran a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. I completely understand that running does not sound like the most enjoyable activity for everyone, but I find for those who can find the sense of freedom in running, it is not only the best workout, but an amazing way to let go of the stresses in life. I am currently training for a full marathon and that frightens me more than I would like to admit. I thought I would share some of London’s beautiful running routes that I have found in my training. London is such a beautiful city to run in, every path has their own personality. Check out the routes I have discovered in my training, who knows.. you might just want to take up running too, if only to feel the rush of energy from this gorgeous city we live in now, London.

1. Hyde Park- About 5 miles running fully around that can also extend 3 more miles by running through Green Park.
This is where my first half marathon stared and finished. Hyde park is such a beautiful green space in London, there are also so many paths within if you are just looking for a quick mile or causal jog. Taking the tube to Hyde Park Corner always leaves you with the best options on where to begin.

2. Bridge to Bridge along the Thames- 5 to 10 miles.
This run begins by taking the tube to Westminster station. I start by running from Westminster Bridge along the Thames, to Tower Bridge. Then I run across Tower Bridge and back up the Thames to Westminster bridge. I do not even have to tell you all the sights you are able to soak in while running this route. Everything from Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Tower of London. This is a great run for any time of day, preferably when there aren’t so many tourists.

3. Bushy Park- 6, 12, 20 miles.
Okay, so I recently learned that Bushy Park is just outside of London. This is my absolute favorite place to run because it is so close to where I live. I am currently living in Kingston, part of greater London and Bushy Park is a 5 minute walk over Kingston Bridge to Richmond. Busy is a great place to run for many reasons, great paths, beautiful sights, and its stillness. It is a very large closed off space, you almost feel as if you have been dropped into the country. You will also notice the sign, which as a New Yorker startled me the first time I ran here, that states that wild deer freely roam the park. It is quite something to run past a large pack of deer with antlers on an average day. Mind you, they are completely used to runners and bikers. This is where a majority of my training has happened because it is so easy to loop around the park to increase mileage. To get here, you can take South West Trains to either Kingston or Hampton Wick, either way it will be a short walk to Bushy Park. It might not be technically considered London, but it is a beautiful retreat that is very accessible from central.